Tools
Gold Scrap Calculator
Find out how much your scrap gold is worth. Select the karat, enter the weight in grams, and see the melt value at today's spot price. Works for jewelry, dental gold, broken chains, and any gold item.
Melt value is the raw gold content value only. Jewelry and coins may have additional value based on craftsmanship, rarity, or collectibility. Dealers typically pay 70-90% of melt value when buying scrap gold. Not investment advice.
What Will a Dealer Pay for Scrap Gold?
The melt value shown above is the maximum your scrap gold is worth. Dealers pay a percentage of melt value — the exact amount depends on the buyer type:
| Buyer Type | Typical Payout |
|---|---|
| Gold refiner (100g+ lots) | 95-98% |
| Online dealer (APMEX, Kitco) | 90-95% |
| Local coin shop | 85-92% |
| Jeweler | 75-85% |
| Pawn shop / "We Buy Gold" | 50-70% |
Always get 3+ quotes before selling. For a complete guide to selling gold, see how to sell gold.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is scrap gold worth?
Scrap gold is worth its melt value — the pure gold content at the current spot price. A 10g piece of 14K gold contains 5.85g of pure gold. At $148/gram, the melt value is about $866. Dealers pay 70-90% of this depending on quantity and purity.
How do I find the karat of my scrap gold?
Look for a hallmark stamp: 375 (9K), 417 (10K), 585 (14K), 750 (18K), 916 (22K), or 999 (24K). If there is no stamp, take it to a jeweler for acid testing or XRF analysis.
Where can I sell scrap gold?
Best options: local coin shops (90-95% of melt), online dealers like APMEX or Kitco (95-98% of melt), or gold refiners for large quantities (95-98%). Avoid pawn shops and "We Buy Gold" stores — they typically pay only 50-70% of melt value.
Is it worth selling scrap gold right now?
Gold is near all-time highs in 2026, making it a favorable time to sell scrap gold. However, scrap gold dealers still only pay 70-90% of spot value, so your actual payout depends on the buyer. Always get multiple quotes.
Related Tools
Scrap gold values are based on pure gold content at the current spot price. Actual dealer payouts are typically 70-95% of melt value depending on the buyer. This calculator is for reference only and does not constitute a purchase offer.